Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy once called Jacoby Ellsbury "the can't-miss kid of Boston sports" and Johnny Pesky said he thinks he could be the next Ted Williams. A little hyperbole at work? Sure. The center fielder's 2008 season was viewed by many as subpar, especially when compared to his dazzling finish to 2007.

This year, Ellsbury set a new single-season Sox' record for stolen bases by eclipsing the 36-year-old mark of Tommy Harper (54). Here's a look back at Ellsbury's career and what his future might hold.